Color duplex-Doppler ultrasonography of lower extremities veins - types of findings

Abstract

Background. The types of ultrasonographic findings observed in patients referred for color duplex Doppler ultrasonography (CDD-US) of veins of lower extremities are presented in this paper.

Patients and methods. During 27 months, 934 patients were examined. Among these, 663 were women (71 %) and 271 men (29 %), with the age range 19-86 (mean 58.4) years. Color Doppler scanners Acuson 128 XP 10, ATL HDI 5000 and Siemens Sonoline Elegra were used, with the transducers in the frequency range from 2.5-12 MHz. The types of findings were classified as: (a) deep venous thrombosis (DVT), (b) pathology related to veins without DVT, (c) pathology of adjacent structures, (d) normal findings.

Results. DVT was observed in 210 patients (22.5%) - acute or chronic in 129 patients, and 81 patients were examined in the follow-up of the DVT treatment. Postthrombotic syndrome, varicose veins, superficial thrombophlebitis and popliteal venous aneurysms were seen in 415 patients (44.4 %). The pathology unrelated to veins was observed in 117 patients (12.5 %). Muscular hematomas and popliteal cysts were most common in this group, but very rare pathology was noted, as well. In 192 patients (20.6 %) CDD-US was normal.

Conclusions. In patients referred for CDD-US examination of lower extremities veins, a high number of findings unrelated to veins, in addition to well-known findings of various venous pathologies, can be observed on CDD-US. The lesions that clinically mimic DVT should be recognized with US in order to avoid erroneous medical treatment.